The State of Minnesota recognizes aquaculture (privately raising fish or other aquatic life) as agriculture.
If you currently raise fish or are interested in raising and selling fish, shrimp, shellfish, or other aquatic life, this page will guide you to information and resources that might be helpful.
Designing aquaculture systems and raising fish
- Sean Sisler, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Commercial Aquatic Programs & Fish Health Consultant, 651-259-5213, sean.sisler@state.mn.us
- Don Schreiner, Minnesota Sea Grant, 218-726-7375, schr0941@d.umn.edu
- Nick Phelps, University of Minnesota, phelp083@umn.edu
- Harold Stanislawski, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, 218-281-7600 ext. 117, hstanislawski@auri.org
- North Central Regional Aquaculture Center
Grants and loans
We offer Value-Added Grants, Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grants, Beginning Farm Loans, Farm Opportunity Loans, Livestock Equipment and Expansion Loans, and other kinds of financial support that aquaculture may be eligible for.
- Grants, 651-201-6500
- Loans, 651-201-6004
USDA also has resources through their Risk Management and Farm Service Agency Aquaculture Programs (PDF).
Marketing fish and fish products
- Minnesota Grown – connects consumers directly to Minnesota producers and provides members with marketing resources
- Make it Minnesota – supports Minnesota food and beverage companies on business and market development
- Great Lakes Fresh Fish Finder - directly connects consumers and fish producers
Licenses, permits, and rules
- Aquatic farm license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Wastewater permit to apply fish manure to land or discharge water from fish farms, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 651-296-6300 or 800-657-3864
- Commercial fish feed manufacturing and distribution license, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), 651-201-6027
- If you mix or blend feed for your own fish from raw ingredients, you don't need an MDA license or permit.
- Minnesota statutes and rules (search for "aquaculture")
